The Dutch Government wants to capitalise on the opportunities offered by biotechnology, while keeping a close eye on the risks. One of the main reasons why the Government considers biotechnology a key high-tech area is the contribution it can make to solving problems in the fields of food security, nature conservation, biodiversity and the environment.

Biotechnology is also vitally important for breeding and propagation activities, for agriculture and the food industry, all of which are very valuable to the Dutch economy.

In addition, the use of modern biotechnology – including “novel techniques” - in breeding can play an important role in terms of global food security, sustainable agriculture and horticulture and the development of a biobased economy.

Ongoing research will be needed to make best use of all the applications we can now envisage. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy considers this to be of prime importance and therefore ensures that the necessary biotechnology facilities are available in the Netherlands.